Hydrogen Sulphide(H2S) Characteristics

Hydrogen Sulphide(H2S) is a colourless gas with a characteristic rotten eggs odour, it is also highly poisonous. Hydrogen Sulphide occurs naturally during plant and animal decay. Hydrogen Sulphide also occurs in volcanic gases. Hydrogen Sulphide will therefore naturally occur in landfill sites, bio-digesters, slurry pits, sewage treatment plants, sewers, some oil fields. Furthermore it is readily absorbed by the lungs, skin and eyes.

H2S Hazards and Health Effects:

Exposure to high concentrations of hydrogen sulphide can have a severe effect on your health, effects may include collapse, inability to breathe and death within minutes. A range of effects on the nervous and cardiovascular system may occur following single or repeated exposures to high hydrogen sulphide concentrations.

Skin discolouration

pain

itching

skin redness

local frostbite may occur if skin is exposed to compressed hydrogen sulphide liquid.

Eye exposure may cause:

irritation

inflammation

tearing

sensitivity to light

conjunctivitis

Unlike some other toxic materials it is not possible to build any resistance to the gas. Repeated exposures may make you more sensitive. Persons who have been drinking alcohol may be more sensitised to the effects of Hydrogen Sulphide poisoning.

0.47 ppb (Parts pr Billion) is the odour threshold, the point at which the human nose can detect and recognise H2S.